England introduce three starters including Henry Pollock's first Test start while Maro Itoje prepares to become only the ninth man to reach 100 caps for England
England have shaken up their XV following the loss in Edinburgh, with Steve Borthwick naming three changes and keeping specialist cover on the bench for the upcoming Test.
The picks
– Starters brought back into the side: Ollie Lawrence, Tom Curry and Henry Pollock.
Pollock will make his first Test start for England, a sign that the coaches trust him to make an immediate impact in midfield.
– Bench balance: a 6-2 forwards-to-backs split. Among the replacements are scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and fly-half Marcus Smith, giving the coaching staff both physical reinforcement up front and experienced playmaking options if they need to change the tempo.
Maro Itoje reaches 100 caps
Maro Itoje will win his 100th England cap, becoming only the ninth player to reach that milestone for the senior team. Borthwick praised Itoje’s professionalism and influence — the kind of steadying presence that shapes team standards more by action than words.
Why these selections matter
The changes are a clear reaction to the Scotland defeat. The aim is straightforward: add midfield creativity and punch, reinforce breakdown work and restore more physicality at contact. Pollock’s first start injects fresh energy into the back line, while Lawrence and Curry bring proven experience in attack and at the breakdown.
Tactical implications
– The 6-2 bench preserves options. If England need to lift the forward intensity they can, or they can call on experienced halves to shift the game’s rhythm late on.
– Itoje’s role remains both tactical and symbolic: he anchors the lineout and breakdown, demanding attention from opponents and often creating space for others.
– The selection also signals pragmatism — coaches prioritise controllable areas such as structure, discipline and ruck efficiency to reduce turnovers and unnecessary penalties.
What to expect before kick-off
Final fitness checks are ongoing and could influence the match-day roster. Borthwick is likely to outline game plans in his pre-match briefing, but the broad strokes point to a more physical, controlled approach that keeps creative outlets ready when the moment comes.
Our coverage will track any late changes and the tactical adjustments the coaches make as the team prepares to bounce back.
